All kidding aside...83' is a prime example of the problems with both systems that college football has used to crown a champion. No need to spend time breaking down the pile of shit that is the BCS. That's a given. The Bowl system and opinion polls used prior was nothing more than a popularity contest. In 83' Auburn played what was easily one of the toughest schedules in the history of college football. I saw one publication that had it at #6 all time. The teams they played that were undefeated and ranked in the top 10 at the time was a murderers row. FSU, Texas, Florida, Maryland (Boomer Esiason), and Georgia. Then a top 10 Michigan in the Sugar...not to mention playing the usual suspects in the SEC like Bama and UT.
Anywho...Auburn goes into the Sugar ranked #3. They beat Michigan in a defensive struggle while #1 and #2 lose in front of them. The final polls keep AU at #3 while #4 Miami vaults to #1 and they keep Nebraska (Who lost to Miami) #2. BTDub, I bleieve the only loss on Miami's slate that year was ugly at the hands of Florida...who Auburn beat.
Wasn't it the next year that BYU played a 6-5 Michigan team in the Holiday Bowl....for the national championship?
Having said all that, I'm still of the opinion that if they make USC vacate the championship, I'd prefer it be left at that. I want to see Auburn on the field with their hands raised and the confetti raining down. I don't want to be guilty of the same thing we constantly accuse Bama fans of, claiming numerous, obscure championships. I want no doubt.